April 2016 Parent & Family eNewsletter
Vol. 15 Issue 4
In this issue...
General News
- Save the Date for Family Weekend 2016
- Parent Pulse Poll
- Rec Center offers stress-relieving activities for students
- Career Center: Resume? No experience, no problem!
- Free bike clinic April 27th
- Student Counseling Center Crisis Helpline
- Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
- 2016 Lubbock Visitor's Guide
- For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Financial Tips/Info
- Spring 2016 Budget Payment Plan and Emergency Payment Plan due April 25th
- Red to Black: Peer-to-Peer Financial Coaching
- 1098T Information
Scholarships/Job Opportunities
- Is your student looking for a job?
- Students planning to work on campus need original social security card
Academic
Housing
- Student Legal Services-Lease Reviews
- Living Off Campus - Common Pitfalls
- Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus
Graduation
Important Dates
Extracurricular Activities
Texas Tech Parents Association
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Save the Date for Family Weekend 2016
The wait is over and we have set the date for Family Weekend 2016 and the Texas Tech Parents Association 60th Anniversary Celebration!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 29th - Sunday, October 2nd for this year's Family Weekend at Texas Tech University. Registration information will be available during summer 2016. More details to come in the Parent & Family eNewsletter and online at www.parent.ttu.edu.
You will want to make your hotel reservations soon as rooms will fill up quickly. Click HERE for a complete listing of Lubbock hotels.
The Texas Tech Parents Association will be Celebrating 60 Years during Family Weekend 2016. Various events will be hosted to celebrate this milestone anniversary.Serving and supporting parents, students, and Texas Tech University, your Parents Association was founded in October 1956 and begins celebrating 60 years of serving and supporting Red Raider parents, their students and Texas Tech University. Learn more and join the Texas Tech Parents Association at www.texastechparents.org.
Parent Pulse Poll
Each month, Parent & Family Relations will conduct a Parent & Family Pulse Poll—a brief poll about Texas Tech parent and family experiences. We will share our poll results each month online. Here is the link to this month's poll about social media usage: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9YR2JMV
For past poll results visithttp://www.depts.ttu.edu/parentrelations/polls.php.
Rec Center offers stress-relieving activities for students
There's plenty of school left and students may get a bit stressed with tests, papers
and college life. Here are a few healthy de-stressors at the Rec Center:
Many students don't know the Outdoor Pursuits Center has numerous trips each semester.
Check out http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/opc/trips.php for all the info on April trips that still have open spots—Guadalupe Summit April
22-24, Photography Focus in Kasha-Katuwe April 22-24, Llano Canoe and Field Studies
April 29-May 1, Palo Duro Mountain Biking May 1. Trip prices include all equipment,
most food (except while travelling), trained student trip leaders and any entry fees.
Massage gift certificates are available for a great de-stressor from one of our licensed massage therapists. Cost is $40 an hour or $25 ½ hour. Call (806) 742-3828. We will deliver the certificate to your student.
The Leisure Pool is open for students to enjoy some sun and fun!
Intramurals (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/recsports/intramurals/team.php) has a 9 on 9 kickball tourney April 8, a Disc Golf Tourney April 15 and several tennis tourneys the weekend of April 12-13 in addition to Low Hoop BBall April 22 and Dodgeball April 29.
University Career Center: Resume? No experience, no problem!
Is your student worried that lack of experience will hurt their chances of landing a part-time job or internship? Students who do not have much work experience still can make an effective resume and the University Career Center can help!
Students can add the following sections in place of, or in addition to, work experience:
- Volunteer Experience
- Leadership Experience
- Relevant Coursework or Projects
- Skills such as computer programs, languages, social media, or industry-specific skills
Volunteer and leadership experiences are directly transferable to the workplace. Communication, team building, and problem solving are just a few of the skills that can be utilized in a professional setting.
Encourage your student to set up an appointment with a Career Representative so we can help them build an effective resume based on their life experiences. The UCC is open Monday through Friday, from 8 am – 5 pm. Students are encouraged to call ahead or to drop in at their convenience.
University Career Center Events
Non-Profit Fair
April 6 | 2pm – 4pm
SUB Ballroom
Resume Critique Day
April 20th | 9am – 4pm
University Career Center
For a full list of upcoming events and webinars, please visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/careercenter/
Free Bike Clinic April 27th
Have your student join Transportation and Parking Services for a free Bike Clinic Wednesday, April 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Forum Area north of the Student Union Building and Library! Cyclists can register their bicycle on site with TPS, receive free minor fixes and a diagnostic report from the Rec Center's Outdoor Pursuits Center, and get information from groups on and off campus such as the Texas Tech Cycling Club, Saddle Up Motorcycle Training, the Graduate School, the Graduate Student Advisory Council, and the Texas Tech Police Department. All attendees enjoy free drinks, snacks, and entry into a drawing for prizes from TPS and RoadID! For more information, see http://www.parking.ttu.edu/bicycling-on-campus/bike-clinics or contact TPS at parking@ttu.edu or (806) 742-PARK.
Student Counseling Center Crisis Helpline
A new 24-hour telephone helpline service is available to assist Texas Tech students who are experiencing a mental health or interpersonal violence crisis. The TTU Crisis HelpLine number is (806) 742-5555. Students can call the helpline and speak immediately with a mental health counselor.
Parents who are helping a student in distress can also call the helpline for assistance. In addition to assisting with immediate crises, the helpline counselors will be familiar with Texas Tech and Lubbock community resources and will be able to direct the caller to the appropriate resource.
Feed Your Inner Red Raider!
Hospitality Services wants your Red Raider to get the most out of their Dining Bucks, so we're providing them with numerous options when it comes to Dining Plans!
Do Dining Bucks rollover? Students can roll unused Dining Bucks to their next on-campus living contract. Dining Bucks do not roll to an off-campus/commuter Dining Plan and they are non-refundable and non-transferable.
For more information about on-campus dining options or Dining Plans visit hospitality.ttu.edu or call 806.742.1360. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @EatAtTexasTech
2016 Lubbock Visitor's Guide
When you make plans to visit your student be sure to check out the interactive visitor guide provided by Visit Lubbock.
For your complete Texas Tech news, visit Texas Tech Today
Keep up-to-date about everything Texas Tech by visiting Texas Tech Today, a complete news source for Texas Tech University.
Spring 2016 Budget Payment Plan and Emergency Payment Plan due April 25th
April 25 – Budget Payment Plan and Emergency Payment Plan installment payment date. For more information visit www.sbs.ttu.edu.
Red to Black: Peer-to-Peer Financial Coaching
Hi, Parents! As the end of the semester is quickly approaching, it is time to start looking towards summer jobs, or even graduation. One of the services Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching can assist your student with is helping them evaluate employee benefits packages. Have your student contact us today to learn more! 806-742-9781| redtoblack@ttu.edu | www.r2b.ttu.edu
1098T Information
Texas Tech University has made it even easier for students to access and view or print 1098-T tax forms when they become available each year. Students that have accepted the Global Electronic Consent during registration or have completed the paper Electronic Consent form may access their 1098-T from the Raiderlink portal and completing the steps below.
- Click on the TTU MyTech tab in Raiderlink
- Click on the Student Business Services link in the Action Items box
- Click on the 1098T - View and Print link
- A new window will open your personal 1098-T page
For additional information visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/feeInfo/1098T.php.
Note: Students that have not completed the Electronic Consent form will receive a paper copy of the 1098-T by mail. Student Business Services will mail 1098-T forms no later than January 31st to the permanent address that is on file in Raiderlink.
Is your student looking for a job?
Encourage your student to visit Texas Tech Human Resources and University Career Center for on-campus and off-campus employment.
Students planning to work on campus need original social security card
Is your student planning to get a new job on campus? Students who work on campus must bring their original Social Security Cards for human resources processing due to federal I-9 requirements. Remind your student to keep his or her social security card in a safe place.
Advanced Registration Schedule
Advance registration for Fall 2016 for currentTexas Tech students begins in April. The time your student registers for Summer and Fall 2015 classes depends on his or her current classification. (Incoming students will register for classes at the conclusion of their Red Raider Orientation session.)
Graduate Students, Seniors, & Second Degree: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Juniors: Wednesday, April 12, 2016
Sophomores: Monday: April 15, 2016
Freshmen: Thursday: April 20, 2016
Former Tech students: Tuesday, April 25, 2016
Open Registration: Wednesday, April 26, 2016
SOAR Learning Center empowers students in pursuits of success
The SOAR Learning Center's mission is to empower students in their pursuit towards academic success while providing an encouraging and safe learning environment. The Learning Center works to enhance the academic endeavors of all currently enrolled Texas Tech students by offering a variety of free services such as peer & online tutoring, academic mentoring, and supplemental instruction. Tutoring and academic mentoring is available Monday through Thursday from 8am-8pm and Friday 8am-5pm.
An additional resource available to students at the Learning Center is access to a licensed professional counselor with over 25 years in education. Stacy Elliot, M.Ed., LPC is a LEARNING SPECIALIST/SENIOR COUNSELOR available to work holistically with students striving to be successful in college. As a counselor, she works to help students resolve personal issues that may hinder their academic success. The Learning Specialist is available Monday through Friday 8am-5pm by appointments and accepts walk-ins.
The SOAR Learning Center is located in Holden Hall Room 80 and our office number is (806)742-3664. Visit us at www.lc.soar.ttu.edu.
Student Legal Services-Lease Reviews
Student Legal Services is able to offer a wide variety of legal services to students of Texas Tech. Their services are freely available to all registered Texas Tech students.
If your student is looking to move off campus encourage them to visit Student Legal Services for a FREE Lease Review so they understand the process of renting an apartment/house.
For more information visit Student Legal Services online at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/sls/.
Living Off Campus - Common Pitfalls
Is your student living off campus or considering living off campus? Be sure to read Common Pitfalls when it comes to living off campus.
Consider renters insurance for your student whether they are living on or off campus
Most landlords do not require the tenant to have renters insurance. All landlords deny liability for any damages to your personal property caused by water, smoke, or fire. Student Legal Services highly recommends any student, living off campus or on-campus, to obtain renters insurance. Renters insurance is a cost effective way to replace damaged property. Speak with your insurance representative to discuss your options.
If you or your student has any other questions about renters insurance please call 806-742-3289 or visit www.depts.ttu.edu/sls/.
College Renters Insurance offers coverage starting at $5,000 with a $100 deductible.
Coverage for your personal property starts as low as $12 per month.
Visit www.CollegeRentersPlan.com/ttu to see all of the coverage options available or call (866) 572-1617.
Spring Commencement Dates
If your student is graduating in May, congratulations! Below is the Spring Commencement schedule for Texas Tech University.
PLEASE NOTE: The colleges are listed below in alphabetical order and NOT necessarily in the order in which they will be recognized.
Friday, May 20, 2016
3:00 p.m. Art & Sciences
7:00 p.m. Graduate School
Saturday, May 21, 2016
9:00 a.m.
Architecture
Education
Engineering
Human Sciences
Visual & Performing Arts
1:30 p.m.
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Business Administration
Media and Communication
Honors College (EVHM & HAL Majors Only)
University Programs
Windy Energy
Law School Hooding (Saturday, May 21, 2016)
3:30 p.m. Reception in the Law School Forum
6:00 p.m. Ceremony in the United Supermarkets Arena
Texas Tech has a Commencement web site, which is your one-stop-shop for all things related to Commencement, including the schedule for upcoming ceremonies, lists of hotels (which sell out quickly!), parking information, and information about ordering invitations and photos of the big day.
Bookmark this site for all of your Commencement needs:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/provost/commencement/
This month's academic and event calendar
April 1, Friday
Last day for graduate degree candidates to defend theses/dissertations.
Last day for master's non-thesis comprehensive examinations.
April 7, Thursday
3 p.m., First day for fall 2016 advance registration for currently enrolled students (continues through April 25). (Incoming students will register at the conclusion of their Red Raider Orientation session).
April 8, Friday
Last day for graduate degree candidates to submit to the Graduate School the final PDF of thesis/dissertation.
Last day for graduate degree candidates to submit the Oral Defense and Thesis-Dissertation Approval Form.
April 15, Friday
Last day to remove grades of I, PR, or CR in the Graduate School. This does not apply to the PR/CR received on a previous thesis or dissertation enrollment.
April 25, Monday
Last day of advance registration for fall 2016.
April 26, Tuesday
Last day for graduate degree candidates to pay thesis-dissertation fee posted to Banner account.
Last day for M.M. and D.M.A. candidates to post the PDFs of recital programs to the ETD web site and submit recordings of recitals to the Graduate School
Official reports due to Graduate School on Interdisciplinary Portfolio for the master's degree (non-thesis students).
Official reports due to Graduate School on results of final comprehensive exams.
Last day to inform the Graduate School of plans to graduate in absentia.
Open registration for fall 2016 begins for currently enrolled students (incoming students will register at the conclusion of their Red Raider Orientation session)
Last day to transfer between colleges.
Complete calendar information:
Have your student check out Orgsync for ways to get involved
Is your student involved in student organizations? If not, have him or her visit http://ttu.orgsync.com for a list of and contact information for all registered student organizations. It is especially important for students living on and off campus to get involved and stay connected to campus.
Student Union and Activities Calendar
Student Union and Activities always makes sure there is plenty for your Tech students to do! If your student complains that he or she can't find any fun activities or meet many people on campus, tell him or her about these exciting, FREE activities.
Click HERE for the complete Activities Calendar.
Looking for ways to get involved?
For more ways to get involved as a parent or family member of a Texas Tech student, join the Texas Tech Parents Association at www.texastechparents.org. Your membership dues support programs such as scholarships for Texas Tech students, the Road Raiders Safe Travel Network, and local chapters all over Texas.
You can also get involved in various chapter activities throughout the year. Come enjoy a fun time with other Texas Tech parents and family members. Click HERE to view community calendar of events.
Parent and Family Relations
-
Address
Drane Hall 2515 15th St., Box 45020, Lubbock, Texas 79409-5020 -
Phone
806.742.3630 -
Email
parent@ttu.edu